The Vulnerable Witnesses Scotland Act 2004

Text and Commentary

A guide to the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 for anyone working with vulnerable witnesses

The Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 amends the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 for criminal cases. It creates a similar regime for civil cases, so that vulnerability of witnesses is considered, and measures are taken to support vulnerable witnesses to give evidence effectively.

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This book contains the Act’s main provisions together with commentary to help you to understand it fully. Informed by the authors’ experience of vulnerable witnesses in practice, the book provides an essential reference for lawyers, law students, those who lead or hear witness in court and other professionals dealing with young people and adults who may be vulnerable as potential witnesses.

Contents

Table of CasesTable of StatutesTable of Statutory InstrumentsIntroductionLong Title1. Definitions of “Vulnerable Witness” in Civil and Criminal Case and the Special Measures2. Procedures in Criminal Cases: Child Witnesses3. Procedures in Criminal Cases: Adult Vulnerable Witnesses4. Review of Special Measures, Application to the Accused, Supplementary and Saving Provisions and Application of Vulnerable Witness Provisions to Proceedings in the District Court5. Miscellaneous Amendments to existing Criminal Justice Legislation6. Civil Proceedings and Vulnerable Witnesses: Scope and Procedures7. Abolition of the Competence Test for Witnesses in Criminal and Civil ProceedingsAppendix: List of Forms of ProcedureIndex.